Monday, 27 April 2015

Cheltenham Town 0 Plymouth Argyle 3

Zak Ansah will be digging out his contract to see whether a Wembley date is on the cards.

Former Arsenal youth prospect Ansah, 20, took only ten minutes to nod in a goal on his debut after coming off the bench, but the Charlton loanee striker admitted he was unsure whether he will be involved if Plymouth stay in play-off contention. He said:

"I only signed on Wednesday night, trained for ninety minutes on Friday and so hadn't really thought about it. I'll have to take a look now. I'm just really pleased to have scored and won in my first game. It's got to be the best feeling I've ever had."

Argyle boss John Sheridan was delighted with Ansah and said:

"He joined up with us on Friday and he had two great strikes, scored one and he is a very intelligent footballer, which you'd expect from Arsenal."

Reuben Reid, 26, scored a brace to move Plymouth into the play-off places before revealing that fatherhood has made him focus more on his game. He explained:

"I wasn't too clever at the start of my career. My kids are two and years old and have helped me settle down. I'm on a nine-to-five shift now, doing things properly and trying to give myself the best possible opportunity.

"When I was about nineteen Ian Holloway told me he hoped the penny would drop before it was too late. Hopefully it's not. I wasn't living right. There were too many late nights and long drives to training from Bristol where I lived. I wasn't looking after myself.

"I've settled down in Plymouth now and stopped bickering with people as well. I guess I grew up."

Cheltenham manager Russell Milton looked ahead to Good Friday's relegation battle at York after watching his team sink to the bottom of the table, but said:

"I don't think anyone can feel their place is safe. I said to them to make my decision hard for Friday. It's not going to be as hard as it could've been."

Meanwhile it announced via its website on Saturday evening that Wales Under-21 international Eliot Richards is to undergo treatment for testicular cancer.

Former Bristol Rovers striker Richards, 23, signed from Tranmere on an eighteen month deal in February and appeared as a half-time substitute against Plymouth.

Richards' diagnosis comes a month after Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez made his return to action after treatment for testicular cancer.

Former Millwall striker - and current boss - Neil Harris have also made a full recovery after being diagnosed with the illness.

The club statement read:

"Cheltenham Town player Eliot Richards has this week been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The appropriate treatment has been arranged, which will include surgery early next week.

The club will of course ensure that every assistance is offered to Eliot and his family to help them through this difficult time.

Testicular cancer is not common but each year around 2,300 men in the UK will be diagnosed. It usually affects younger men and, thankfully, is one of the most treatable types of cancer with over 95% of men being completely cured if diagnosed early enough.

Regular self-examination of the testicles is recommended for all men. Any persisting ache or the appearance of a lump or swelling should be brought promptly to the attention of your GP, as Eliot did.

In due course we expect Eliot to make a full recovery. In the meantime we know that all Cheltenham supporters will want to join us in wishing Eliot and his family well in the days and weeks ahead."

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